Lunar New Year, also called Chinese New Year and Spring Festival, starts on Sunday, January 22. This year, 2023, marks the Year of the Rabbit. Take part in celebrating this holiday that welcomes the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar at these family-friendly Long Island events.
11th Annual Chinese New Year Celebration
When: Friday, January 20, 5:45 p.m.
Where: H. Lee Dennison Building, 100 Veterans Memorial Hwy., Hauppauge
More info: Suffolk County Asian American Advisory Board website
Free
The Suffolk County Asian American Advisory Board presents a Chinese New Year Celebration featuring cultural performances with a light dinner to follow at 5:45 p.m.
Winterfest Lunar New Year Celebration
When: Saturday, January 21, 5 p.m.
Where: The Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington
More info: Heckscher.org or call (631) 380-3230
Free
Celebrate and learn about Lunar New Year with a focus on Chinese culture at this free family event for all ages.
- Meet artist Han Qin and create along with her. Qin will be painting dancer Wendi Weng throughout the day.
- Learn about Chinese culture with the Mobile Museum of authentic and some replicate historical, cultural, and artistic artifacts.
- Create origami with Hansen Lee from the Town of Huntington Asian-American Task Force.
- Make a Chinese lantern.
- Warm up with free hot beverages including hot cocoa, tea, and apple cider... and much more.
Lunar New Year at Long Island Children’s Museum
When: Saturday, January 28 and and Sunday, January 29, Noon to 4 p.m.
Where: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
More info: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
All activities are included with regular $15 general admission.
Ring in the Year of the Rabbit with a variety of dance performances including the traditional Lion Dance, folk dances, and Peking opera. Kids can also:
- View live artisan demonstrations of Tai Chi martial arts, sugar painting, dough sculpting and calligraphy.
- Make Riddle Lanterns and paper peach blossoms.
- Explore music from the sounds of the ancient Chinese instrument guzheng to traditional and contemporary songs.
- Play Jegichagi to honor the Korean Lunar New Year known as "Seollal," and make a Jegi to play with.
Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company, Celebration of the Year of the Water Rabbit
When: Sunday, January 29 at 7 p.m.; Pre-performance event starts at 5:45 p.m.
Where: Tilles Center for the Performing Arts at LIU Post, 20 Northern Blvd., Brookville
More info: Visit the Tilles Center website or call (516) 299-3100
Tickets start at $25. Pre-performance event is free for all Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company ticket buyers and takes place in the Krasnoff Theater from 5:45-6:30 pm.
A spectacular Chinese Lunar New Year production of colorful costumes, mesmerizing music, fantastic acrobatics, and lively dance. Guests can also take part in pre-performance events that give an insider’s view on what goes into each performance, setting the context for what you will see and hear on stage.
Greater Roslyn Association for Chinese Enrichment (GRACE) Lunar New Year Festival
When: Saturday, January 28, doors open at 6:15 p.m, dinner at 6:30 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m.
Where: Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center, 300 Forest Drive, East Hills
More info: RoslynGrace.org
Admission $20, $10 for ages 6-14, free under 5
Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with food and performances.